under construction
General
What is a disability?
A disability is “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life function.” [Arkansas Code 16-123-102(3)]
What is a developmental disability?
A developmental disability is a substantial, long-term disability that begins any time from birth through the age of 21 and is expected to last for a lifetime. Although you may not always be able to see these disabilities, they can seriously limit daily activities of life, including self-care, communication, learning, mobility, or being able to work or live independently.
Arkansas law says that a developmental disability is “an impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior” that is a “substantial handicap to the person’s ability to function without appropriate support services, including, but not limited to, planned recreational activities, medical services such as physical therapy and speech therapy, and possibilities for sheltered employment or job training.” It is caused by mental retardation or a closely related condition; cerebral palsy; epilepsy; autism’ or dyslexia resulting from cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism. [Arkansas Code 20-48-101 and Act 729 of 1993]
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health care assistance program that pays for medical care and services for people who meet income/assets requirements.
What is Alternative Community Services (ACS)?
The Alternative Community Services is a Medicaid funded program that allows people whose medical condition or disability generally would require admission to a hospital nursing facility or intermediate care facility for people with developmental disabilities to receive services in home.
Independent Living Services
Where are you located?
Administrative Offices including Executive Director & Program Directors: 615 E. Robins, Conway, AR 72032
Financial Offices: 1615 Independence Street, Conway, AR 72034
How many people receive services provided by Independent Living Services?
More than 250.
When was Independent Living Services founded?
Independent Living Services was founded in 1970.
CARF Accreditation
What is CARF?
Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services in the following areas:
Aging Services
Behavioral Health
Business and Services Management Networks
Child and Youth Services
Employment and Community Services
Medical Rehabilitation
What are the benefits of the CARF accreditation?
Assurance to persons seeking services that a provider meets internationally accepted standards.
Improved communication with persons served.
Person-focused standards that emphasize an integrated and individualized approach to services and outcomes.
Accountability to funding sources, referral agencies, and the community.
Management techniques that are efficient, cost-effective, and based on outcomes and consumer satisfaction.
Evidence to assure federal, state, provincial, and local governments of the quality of programs and services that receive government funding.
Guidance for responsible management and professional growth of personnel.
A tool for marketing programs and services to consumers, referral sources, and third-party funders.
Support from CARF through consultation, publications, conferences, training opportunities, and newsletters.
How does the CARF accreditation improve the quality of services provided?
The CARF accreditation assures the public that Independent Living Services has made a commitment to continually enhance the quality of services and programs and that our organization’s focus is on the satisfaction of the persons served.
How are the CARF standards developed?
CARF’s field-driven standards have evolved and been refined over 40 plus years with the support and involvement of providers, consumers, and industry experts. Reflecting input from stakeholders around the world, the standards are recognized as “international consensus” standards.
Residential Services
How are residential/waiver services funded?
Our residential programs are funded mainly by Waiver Services, Personal Care, and HUD. If an individual does not qualify for waiver funding he or she may be asked to private pay for services.
For more information about Residential or Waiver services please contact:
Barbara Spradlin, Program Director, 501 327-5234 x 304
Evelyn Fecher-Ward, Program Director, 501 327-5234 x 303
Adult Development
How is the Adult Development program funded?
Programs offered at Profiles Enrichment Center are funded through Medicaid’s DDTCS (Developmental Day Treatment Center Services), state dollars, local funds, and contract services. Individuals who do not qualify for funding may be asked to private pay.
For more information about Profiles or Profile Productions please contact:
Angie Musgrove, Program Coordinator, 501 327-5234 x 324
How many people attend Profiles Enrichment Center?
Around 100 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities attend on a daily basis.
How many people work at Profiles Productions?
Around 50 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities work either part-time or full-time shifts.
Donations
Who do I contact to make a charitable donation?
Robert Wright | 501.327-5234 x 314
Lisa Garner | 501.327-5234 x 313
Are donations to Independent Living Services tax deductible?
Yes. Independent Living Services is a qualified non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenues Services code.
Is it safe to donate to Independent Living Services?
Yes. Independent Living Services is a registered charitable organization through Consumer Protection Division of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
How can I make a charitable donation?
Online – Visit our Give page to make an online donation.
Check – Independent Living Services, PO Box 1070, Conway, AR 72033
Employment
How do I apply for employment at Independent Living Services?
Applications can be completed at our Human Resources office at 615 E. Robins, Conway, AR 72032.
For more information regarding Human Resources please contact:
Elissa Douglas, Human Resource Director, 501 327-5234 x 317
Yolanda Taylor, Human Resource Assistant, 501 327-5234 x 318
How many people does Independent Living Services employ?
We employ almost 400 people in a variety of positions ranging from Direct Service Professionals to Speech Therapists.
Volunteering
Who do I contact about volunteer opportunities?
Robert Wright | 501.327-5234 x 314
What type of volunteer opportunities are available?
Independent Living Services offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals or for groups. Call 501.327-5234 x 314 for more information.
Services
Does Independent Living Services offer services outside of Faulkner County, Arkansas?
Yes. Independent Living Services also operates in Perry, Pulaski, Pope, White, Cleburne and Conway Counties.
Privacy
What steps are taken to ensure consumer privacy?
Independent Living Services is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of individually identifiable health information as protected by law, including the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
615 E. Robins | Conway, AR 72032
501.327.5234